Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you.

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ACBO & OPECO,OTTAWA SEMINARIANS

During the first days of this week, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) met in Toronto. Sociologist Reginald Bibby from the University of Lethbridge came to speak to us about religious practice patterns across Canada and more positive developments as we prepare for the Synod in 2012 on the New Evangelization.

On the last day, there was a meeting of bishops and representatives from the French Catholic school boards across Ontario (OPECO: l'Office provincial de l'Education de la foi en Ontario)--a fruitful exchange on the Symposium on Catholic Education held in May in Toronto led by Father Remi Lessard.

One evening, I slipped away to Saint Augustine's Seminary for Mass with the community and supper and a brief exchange with the Ottawa seminarians (bolstered by Deacon Craig Cameron of Halifax, whom I had not seen since his diaconal ordination).

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God Rest Father Bob Bedard

After a long illness, Father Bob Bedard, priest of the Ottawa Archdiocese and founder of the Companions of the Cross, died late last evening. His last ten days were very moving for many who were graced to accompany him.

I offer the Moderator of the Companions, Father Scott McCaig and all his brothers in community my condolences and deepest sympathy. May the Lord, whose people he served so zealously receive him into the fullness of eternal life.